Savoy Signature just opened a boutique hotel in Madeira

January 22, 2024 No Comments

The Reserve, an exclusive luxury hotel concept set within the renowned Savoy Palace in Madeira, Portugal. Opening its doors in December, The Reserve will redefine the meaning of luxury, delivering an unmatched experience where guests are immersed in a world of dedicated focus and distinctive hospitality. 

“The Reserve is the epitome of refinement and personalized service,” said Ricardo Madias-Farinha, chief commercial officer of Savoy Signature. “We have meticulously crafted every aspect of the experience to ensure our guests enjoy an unforgettable journey that exceeds their expectations. The Reserve is a sanctuary where attention to detail and individual desires are paramount, and we are excited to start welcoming our guests to this unparalleled haven of indulgence.” 

Brimming with nature, culture and history, Madeira is a gorgeous island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than mainland Portugal. As a result of its unique geographical location, the destination enjoys sunnier, warmer temperatures.

Typically, most Canadians combine a visit to Madeira with a longer stay in popular parts of Portugal or additional destinations in Europe, as there are non-stop connections from more than 50 European gateways.

At The Reserve, every detail is carefully curated to create a truly exceptional stay. From the moment their booking is confirmed at this premier hideaway, they are connected with their own GEPA (The Reserve’s acronym for Guest Experience Personal Assistant), via Email and WhatsApp, which tailors and prepares the stay to the guests’ specific requests and requirements prior to arrival.

 

About The Reserve

To ensure a seamless visit, guests staying at The Reserve and Savoy Palace can enjoy the signature private car service (for an extra fee) upon their arrival and departure at Madeira International Airport, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free transition and being the perfect addition to the Meet & Greet service at the airport, which is complimentary to all guests at The Reserve on both arrival and departure.

Once guests arrive at the hotel, a dedicated private elevator will take them from the street-level lobby to the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace building where guests will find the Jacarandá Lounge & Club – the heart of The Reserve. Here guests will find a stunning rooftop pool, offering a panoramic view of Funchal, exclusive to The Reserve guests, which further enhances the already VIP experience. 

A suite escape

The Reserve presents an array of 40 elegantly appointed rooms designed to cater to various preferences.

The spacious pool suites offer a private sanctuary, with a personal terrace and very own plunge pool; while the deluxe rooms provide a cozy retreat with serene sea views of the breathtaking Funchal Bay.

Every suite is thoughtfully furnished with lavish bedding and contemporary amenities, assuring the highest degree of comfort and relaxation within an ambiance of unmatched privacy and luxury. The decor in the rooms consists of four different color palettes inspired by the colors and flora of the beautiful island of Madeira.

For more information about Savoy Signature and its hotel collection, click here. 

Checking out this week’s hottest new hotels and resorts

January 19, 2024 No Comments

Checking out the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new or upcoming properties to get excited about in 2024.

 

The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara

The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara in Zambia has revealed new Livingstone Junior Suites spanning 560 square feet. The classically furnished suites, which are accentuated with local designs, offer views of the Zambezi River. Set amid the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the hotel offers clients unlimited access to Victoria Falls and is surrounded by savannah.

Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens in Costa Rica has completed a major transformation. The renovations at the first property by Nayara Resorts saw all accommodations levelled and rebuilt as Arenal Casitas with individual decks and plunge pools surrounded by rainforest. Also new is the resort pool and adjacent restaurant, a boutique selling artisan goods, the spa and an on-site family education centre. Notably, the property is a sloth sanctuary.

Guests at Nayara Gardens have full access to sister properties Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp with their additional restaurants, bars, pools, hot springs, yoga pavilions. Since Nayara Springs is adults only, children must stay at Nayara Gardens and Nayara Tented Camp.

Club Med Cancun

Club Med Cancún is set to undergo significant renovations to its wellness and family spaces to create a premium offering. The improvements will see the addition of a sports & wellness island with a yoga palapa plus facilities for archery, bocce ball, mini golf, multi-sport courts, and the Circus School by Club Med, set to be completed by April.

Meanwhile, a dedicated Family Oasis and Children’s Clubs will be located next to the pickleball courts and Aguamarina family section, which features family suites, a dedicated pool and kids bar, is set to be completed by December. The Kids Club with new play facilities like a themed splash park, water park, mini pool & playground is relocating next to the family section to minimize travel distance from family accommodations. Club Med Cancún will remain open throughout the renovations.

St. Regis Red Sea Resort

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now open. The property Ummahat Island in the Al Wajh Lagoon is the first private island to open in The Red Sea.

Accessed by chartered boat or seaplane from the newly opened Red Sea International Airport, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort features a collection of 90 beachfront and overwater villas, offering one-to-four-bedroom accommodation, each with a private pool, sundeck and outdoor shower.

The luxury resort has five distinct culinary venues each offering alfresco beachside dining and serving produce sourced from local farms and fishermen. Restaurants include Gishiki 45, features an enticing Japanese-inspired menu, and Tilina, an overwater grill serving prime cuts infused with local spices and ingredients.

The resort offers a variety of fitness and wellness activities including a fully equipped gym, an outdoor lap pool and vitality pool, paddle and tennis courts, sunrise and sunset yoga, personal training sessions and nutritional consultations.

Six Senses Wadi Safar

Six Senses Wadi Safar is set to open in 2026 with a location 25 miles from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and 15 minutes northwest of the city. The property will feature 80 guest rooms spread across five clusters on top of a hill with panoramic views over the surrounding valley. 

This latest Six Senses project forms part of a 23-square-mile gated Wadi Safar community, a secluded, discreet, and peerless lifestyle destination for Saudi society and international visitors. Guest accommodations at Six Senses Wadi Safar will extend across 49 acres and the Six Senses Spa will feature treatment rooms, a hammam, a salon, a gym and studio, and a separate yoga studio.

From yoga programs, signature massages, and biohacking tools to multi-day retreats and brand standards such as Sleep With Six Senses and Eat With Six Senses, there will be a variety of offerings available to suit different interests.

The biggest cruise ship in the world just sailed into Miami

January 17, 2024 No Comments

Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Icon of the Seas arrived in Miami for the first time on Jan. 22.

The first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation was welcomed with fanfare by air, land and sea, ahead of its official debut on Jan. 27.

Local residents and Royal Caribbean fans, executives and employees were on hand as the first to see Miami’s newest resident.

Icon arrived to PortMiami in style, with celebratory fireboat salutes, banner planes in flight and a community celebration at Pérez Art Museum to mark the new vacation’s first appearance of many to come in the Magic City. Icon will continue making its final preparations in Miami ahead of an iconic naming celebration and first cruise.

On board Icon

In store on Icon is an all-encompassing lineup of experiences that combines the best of every vacation – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – making the first-of-its-kind adventure the way to get away for every type of family and vacationer.

Across eight neighborhoods are favourites for everyone day and night, including adrenaline-pumping thrills like six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 and the Crown’s Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean, and seven pools including the first suspended infinity pool at sea.

he game-changing experiences also include a stay-all-day neighbourhood designed for families with young kids, more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges; deck-defying entertainment across air, ice, water and theatre and more.

 

The perfect day

The game-changing experiences also include a stay-all-day neighbourhood designed for families with young kids, more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges; deck-defying entertainment across air, ice, water and theatre and more.

Starting Jan. 27, vacationers can get away on Icon and island hop in the tropics at any time of the year. Each seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami features idyllic destinations in the Caribbean and an unmatched day of thrill and chill at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Plus, dialing up the perfect on Perfect Day in January 2024 is the private island’s first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach, an all-day experience complete with a private beach and pools, new dedicated spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music and more.

For more details about Icon, including vacations now open to book, vacationers can visit Royal Caribbean’s website. 

ARHOME is a design-forward guest suite like no other

January 15, 2024 No Comments

Experiential hospitality brand arcana is excited to announce the launch of its infinite arcana experience with ARHOME, design-Forward guest dwellings delivered fully assembled, available for individual purchase.

To celebrate the launch, ARHOME is offering an introductory limited release of 25 guest suites starting today, built in Canada and delivered Spring 2024.

All elements of ARHOME are intentionally designed to orientate guests towards nature while ensuring complete comfort. The combination of fine craftsmanship, hospitality grade finishes, and materials chosen with sustainability at the forefront, results in a one-of-a kind, fully assembled, prefabricated alternative to those looking to add guest accommodations.

About ARHOME

ARHOME is 275 square feet and designed with hospitality in mind. It can be your very own private weekend hideaway, the perfect guest house or short-term rental and is custom built in Canada and arrives fully assembled. 

ARHOME starts at $225,000 CAD and can be delivered and shipped across Canada within eight to twelve weeks from purchase. Hookup to electrical, water and waste is required for use.

Canadian-designed and built, ARHOME is conceptualized with sustainability in mind by award-winning Vancouver-based architect, Michael Leckie of Leckie Studio and built by Oakville-based Hummingbird Hill Homes and Toronto-based Studio Morro.

 

About ARHOME

ARHOME highlights include:

  • Red oak interiors, heated floors and air conditioning
  • Premium kitchen appliances: Porter Charles stove-top, oven and hood range, complemented by a whisper-quiet, 4.1 cubic feet built-in Vitrifrigo fridge
  • Built-in Sonos speaker system, controlled through smart panels
  • Rain shower and private water closet
  • Lunos system that filters air and eliminates the need for in-wall ducting
  • Discrete storage solutions
  • Choice of three exterior finishes: Corten steel and natural or black stained wood cladding. The arcana iconic mirrored steel cladding is available upon request.

For pricing and additional information, visit findarcana.com.

This Valentine’s Day getaway in Saint Lucia will cost you $250,000

January 12, 2024 No Comments

This Valentine’s Day, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences is taking over-the-top romance to new heights with a private charter to Saint Lucia from anywhere in the world. Couples will feel like they are on Cloud 9 as they jet set to one of the world’s most romantic islands.

This excusive Valentine’s Day on Cloud 9 Package begins with a personalized private charter experience on Planet 9 Private Air, that includes a customized culinary presentation, over-the-top luxury amenities, and even a few surprises along the way, as couples relax aboard their very own private luxury jet.

Lovers will be swept away to the luxurious Windjammer Landing for an all-inclusive stay in a two-bedroom Ocean Point Residence with private infinity pool, breathtaking views, and a dedicated 24/7 personal butler. 

This once in a lifetime romantic getaway will include a personalized itinerary with both exhilarating and relaxing experiences such as an island helicopter tour, candlelit dinner, private yacht excursion, in-villa spa retreat, and other VIP island experiences! 

To celebrate the milestone, couples will take home a personalized gift of diamond jewelry, along with photos and videos from a dedicated photographer who will capture every moment on camera to remember the experience for years to come. 

About the package

Valentine’s Day on Cloud 9 Package includes the following treats, ensuring the ultimate dream getaway experience.

  • Private jet charter with Planet 9: The journey begins with a seamless arrival via a private jet from anywhere worldwide, ensuring a lavish start to the ultimate romantic getaway.
  • S-night stay in an Ocean Point Residence: Guests will feel at home in a newly built Ocean Point Residence featuring a private infinity pool, breathtaking views of Labrelotte Bay, a full kitchen, and a dedicated 24/7 personal butler.
  • Luxury all-inclusive experience: Indulge in unlimited food & drinks at seven restaurants and four bars, luxury spirits and wines by the glass, access to motorized and non-motorized water sports, and more.
  • Island Helicopter Tour: Soar above Saint Lucia in a private helicopter tour, exploring hidden gems and capturing the scenic beauty from the sky.
  • Candlelit Cliffside Dinner: Delight in an intimate dinner perched on a cliffside, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the ocean and a private concert, with a personalized menu curated by Windjammer Landing’s world-renowned chefs.
  • Private Yacht Expedition: Set sail on a private yacht, complete with a gourmet chef, personal crew, and a sunset cruise to see the world-famous Pitons, one of the most secluded and romantic spots in the Caribbean.
  • Exclusive In-Villa Spa Retreat: Indulge in a day of pure bliss at Windjammer Landing’s award-winning spa with couples massages, rejuvenating facials, and a hand-crafted bath soak experience.
  • VIP Island Excursions: Experience VIP access to the best events, attractions, and excursions on the island, tailored for couples to create a truly unforgettable adventure. 
  • Diamond Jewelry Gift: Each couple will receive a bespoke piece of diamond jewelry, adding a touch of elegance to symbolize the eternal bond of their love.
  • Personalized Photography and Videography: A dedicated team of photographers will capture every moment of the romantic getaway to ensure couples’ leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Starting at $250,000 USD, this extraordinary package promises an unrivaled blend of opulence, romance, luxury, and personalized adventure at the Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences.

Travel must be booked by Feb. 1, 2024. Reservations can be made by calling the resort directly at 1-877-522-0722 or email reservations@windjammer-landing.com

Luxury resort in Antigua adds 12 stunning overwater bungalows

January 10, 2024 No Comments

Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton CHIC Antigua, set to open in April 2024, has added 12 luxury overwater suites.

The Overwater Suites at Royalton CHIC Antigua will mark the second set of these type of luxury suites in the Blue Diamond Resorts portfolio, building upon the remarkable success of their initial six Chairman Overwater Bungalows at Royalton Antigua in 2019.

The Presidential Overwater Bungalow will offer a spacious 1,912 ft² one-bedroom haven with state-of-the-art amenities and a generous living room area featuring a glass floor providing stunning views of the ocean. The Luxury Junior Suite Overwater Bungalow will be a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. This fully equipped 1,138 ft² suite over the ocean boasts a private terrace, plunge pool, and direct access to the ocean.

For an unparalleled experience, the Chairman Overwater Bungalow Two Bedroom Suite will provide an expansive and luxurious retreat featuring two rooms, terraces, two separate plunge pools, overwater hammocks, and direct access to the sea.

Positioned directly above the ocean, it includes a living room with a crystal floor for mesmerizing sea views, a bar, kitchenette, dining area, three bathrooms, and cutting-edge technology in a 3,049 ft² space.

Exclusive club access

All Overwater Suites will include access to an upgraded Diamond Club with features and amenities such as seamless check-in, access to exclusive areas, and the coveted personal butler service to further enhance your stay.

For more information or to book your next vacation, visit www.royaltonchicresorts.com.

person holding up a passport against the horizon

A look at the world’s most powerful passports for 2024

January 8, 2024 No Comments

An unprecedented six countries share the top spot with visa-free access to a record-breaking number of destinations on the 2024 Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Four EU member states — France, Germany, Italy, and Spain — join Japan and Singapore in boasting the most powerful passports in the world, with their citizens able to visit an astonishing 194 destinations out of 227 around the globe visa-free.

The two Asian nations have dominated first place on the index (which ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa) for the past five years.

“The average number of destinations travellers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, as we enter the new year, the top-ranked countries are now able to travel to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which sits at the bottom of the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa,” said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners.

Europe continues to dominate

South Korea joins Finland and Sweden in second place with visa-free travel to 193 destinations, and another four EU nations: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Netherlands — share third place with access to 192.

The rest of the Top 10 is largely dominated by European countries, with the UK climbing up two ranks to fourth place with visa-free access to 191 destinations compared to just 188 a year ago. 

Australia and New Zealand passport holders both improve their ranking to sit in sixth place with 189 visa-free destinations,  while the U.S. retains its seventh place with access to 188 destinations without requiring a visa in advance.

It has been a decade since the U.K. and the U.S. jointly held first place on the index in 2014.

Countries climbing the ranks

The UAE remains the biggest climber on the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014, resulting in a massive leap of 44 places in the ranking from 55th to 11th position.

Ukraine and China are also among the top five countries with the most improved rankings over the past 10 years (a net total gain of 21 places each), and both have climbed a further two ranks in the past year.

Ukraine is now in 32nd place with 148 visa-free destinations and China is 62nd on the ranking with access to 85 destinations without a prior visa (compared to just 44 in 2014).

While Russia has seen a net gain of 24 destinations over the past decade, its visa-free score and ranking has barely shifted since 2017, and it now sits in 51st place with access to 119 destinations.

Affluent travellers will pay more for these 10 things

January 5, 2024 No Comments

A new survey by Opinium Research for Kensington Tours reveals the habits of some of the world’s most affluent travellers.

Using data provided by 400 adults, whose household income is above $250,000, shows that travellers in this demographic are inclined to pay extra for exclusive benefits, such as insider access to destinations, no waiting in lines, and a seamless travel experience.

Luxury travellers crave a seamless travel experience, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

 

Key findings

Considering that two thirds (66 per cent) of luxury travellers report having felt frustrated due to waiting in too long of lines while travelling, it’s no surprise that nearly seven in 10 luxury travellers (68 per cent) report that they are willing to pay a premium for the ability to skip lines, avoid crowds, and experience private tours.

Other offerings that luxury travellers would pay a premium for include personalized, bespoke trips tailored to their wants and needs (66 per cent), one-stop planning (62 per cent), and insider access to exclusive events (56 per cent). Insider access and no waiting in lines top the list of affluent traveler priorities.

Respondents also reported that their travel experiences would be somewhat or greatly enhanced by offerings typically provided by a luxury tour operator, such as access to popular attractions with no wait times (81 per cent), privately guided tours without the crowds (78 per cent), access to exclusive, world-renowned events (74 per cent), and access to insider experiences not traditionally available to the general public (72 per cent).

 

Additional key takeaways

Other findings from the survey included:

  • Luxury travellers take more trips, and they are longer: A significant portion of luxury travelers (38 per cent) report taking three-to-five trips annually, while 28 per cent take six-to-10 trips, and a notable 14 per cent embark on more than ten trips each year and most of them average two weeks or more (57 per cent).
  • They turn to a travel professional: 72 per cent of survey participants expressed their intention to enlist the services of travel experts for their upcoming vacation planning.
  • Intergenerational travel continues to remain a priority: The popularity of multi-generational travel experienced a significant boost in the wake of the pandemic and continues to thrive, with 82 per cent of those surveyed intending to increase their family travel this year.
  • Been there; done that; affluent travellers want to see something new:  A significant number of respondents (89 per cent) plan to explore new destinations in 2024 with Switzerland, Norway, and Portugal named as top destinations.
  • Travel pain points: The most prevalent challenges and pain points include locating appropriate accommodations (41 per cent), steering clear of tourist traps (38 per cent), and coordinating activities (38 per cent).
  • More space, increased privacy, and added exclusivity are in high demand: More than 50 per cent expressed interest in distinctive experiences such as luxurious villa stays featuring in-house amenities and private yacht expeditions.

Go to https://www.kensingtontours.com for more.

Park Hyatt has opened a luxury hotel close to Marrakech’s famed medina

January 3, 2024 No Comments

Park Hyatt Marrakech is now open, marking the debut of the Park Hyatt brand in Morocco and growing the brand’s presence in Africa, joining Park Hyatt Zanzibar and the forthcoming Park Hyatt Johannesburg, slated for 2025.

Uniquely located 15 kilometres from Marrakech’s historic Medina district, the 19-acre resort is situated in an exquisite, off-the-beaten path location at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Surrounded by palm trees, olive trees and jacaranda trees, Park Hyatt Marrakech sits adjacent to the magnificent Al Maaden Golf resort, exclusively offering guests convenient access to the 18-hole course.

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About Park Hyatt Marrakech

Park Hyatt Marrakech stands apart from other luxury hotels in the market through a distinctly residential, modern, and stylish take on Arab-Berber heritage.

Composed of 16 pavilions arranged around a central, zeolite patio, Park Hyatt Marrakech encapsulates the personalized, understated luxury of the global brand with unexpected, hyperlocal experiences for guests – from breakfast in a hot-air balloon in the Three Atlas Valleys, to dinner in a Bedouin tent in the Agafay desert, to airport transfers in luxury electric cars, and more.

Renowned Marrakech-based architect Imaad Rahmouni drew inspiration from Arab-Berber traditions to create a luxurious contemporary design for Park Hyatt Marrakech.

 

The 130 residentially inspired guestrooms and suites are among the most spacious in Marrakech, and promise privacy and tranquility, with Moroccan touches throughout.

Each guestroom features traditionally woven Berber carpets in pure wool and headboards representing the Tataoui motif (a local roofing technique made of laurel branches) alongside modern works of art sourced via Ifitry Artists’ Residence.

Ammenities & more

In addition to convenient golf access, the hotel’s vast, 23,000+-square-foot spa is an ode to Morocco’s culture of hammam rituals and holistic therapies. Featuring products from Sodashi, a brand hand-crafted in Australia and Nectarome, a complete range of high-quality natural products derived from Moroccan traditions, the professional spa team can recommend personalized treatments.

Guests can stay on track of their fitness goals in the 2,153-square-foot fitness centre and yoga studio.

 

The expansive resort also includes an outdoor heated pool, a family-friendly outdoor pool, and an indoor heated pool beneath a vaulted ceiling, each offering unique valley and mountain vistas.

New Swiss hotel has a stunning mountain backdrop and more

December 29, 2023 No Comments

Located in the heart of Davos, and against the backdrop of the majestic “Magic Mountain”, Hotel Flüela Davos is one of the newest luxury hotels by Hyatt’s Unbound Collection.

Hotel Flüela Davos joins three existing Hyatt hotels in Switzerland and signals Hyatt’s continued commitment to growing its luxury brands in sought-after destinations in Europe.

The hotel itself is a story-worthy symbol of Swiss heritage. Built at a time when stagecoaches were the primary mode of travel for merchants and postal services, Hotel Flüela extended its hospitality to weary travelers – a tradition that endures to this day.

For 155 years, this cherished landmark has been an essential part of Davos’ journey from a secluded Alpine village to a world-renowned mountainside health resort and spa town, and eventually to a thriving global hub for business and leisure.

Today, Hotel Flüela Davos offers worldly independent travelers Swiss Alpine comfort in a captivating luxury setting.

An alpine sanctuary

Adorned with sophistication, the 51 rooms and suites provide guests with an alpine sanctuary surrounded by warm winter tones.

Guests can enjoy their stay 5,118 feet (1,560 meters) above sea level, in rooms that offer premium amenities including a state-of-the-art private ski locker, access to the Flüela Soul Spa, a ski butler and a discount on ski rental equipment.

The hotel also has 5,220 square feet (485 square meters) of meeting space, thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and foster productive discussions, while offering stunning views of the surrounding panorama and the vibrant streets of Davos. It is conveniently located just over a mile (2 km) away from the Davos Conference Centre, home to the renowned World Economic Forum, becoming the ideal hub for professionals seeking an immersive experience in complete luxury.

Guests can step away from the hustle and bustle of the city in the hotel’s wellness area, which features two saunas, two steam rooms, a relaxation room, two treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor hot tub.

The ultimate way to unwind after a day of winter sports, guests of the hotel will also receive complimentary access to the spa, which includes a new gym with the latest technology and equipment.

For more information on Hotel Flüela Davos, visit www.hyatt.com.